While many more people are aware that the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the cause of cervical cancer in women due to the recent HPV vaccine, many are not aware that HPV is a cause of cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and oral cavity (most often the tongue, tonsils, uvula, or oral cavity) in men and women. While HPV is referred to as a sexually transmitted disease, you do not need to have intercourse to contract HPV or spread it to your partner. Although experts do not know all the ways HPV is spread, we do know it can be passed on during vaginal or anal penetration, oral sex (with either men or women), genital skin-to-skin sexual contact, or genital touching (masturbation). While condom use may decrease areas that are exposed, it cannot prevent exposure completely.

Oct 18, 2010 - Changing sexual practices, including increased oral sex, multiple sex partners, and an early start of sexual activity, are behind an epidemic of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) linked to sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), according to an article in the November issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases.